Blowout device to clear a mechanical device of fluids

ABSTRACT

A mechanical fluid clearing device for clearing a mechanical device of remaining trapped fluids using an air compressor with a coupled first air hose terminating in a coupling. A second air hos connects to the first air hose and terminates in an airflow interface. The airflow interface mates to a fluid fill hole of a mechanical device providing for airflow to enter the device and blow trapped fluid out through an opening. The airflow interface includes a multi-tiered mating for attaching to multiple types of fluid fill holes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of engine maintenance, more particularly to cleaning used, dirty lubrication oil or other fluids from an engine.

2. Description of Related Art

Engines use lubricating oil to lubricate internal parts and help cool and control the operating temperature of the engine as well as lubricating internal moving parts. Lubricating oil is necessary to aid the movement of fitted parts by eliminating or markedly reducing friction as parts move/slide alongside each other (e.g., gears, pistons, valves, etc). Without oil, parts would heat to unacceptable levels and bind, seizing the engine.

As oil circulates in an operating engine, it starts to break down, reducing its lubrication properties and becoming dirty with various pieces of grit (e.g., metal particles and deteriorating component elements of the oil), requiring periodic changing. The periodic maintenance requirements to keep an engine operating efficiently, minimizing wear, and prolonging engine life includes changing the oil.

In operation, an oil pump powered by a running engine circulates oil from an oil pan (at the bottom of the engine) through the interior of the engine, lubricating internal parts/components, while passing through an oil filter. Conventional procedures to change the engine oil include removing an oil change plug on the bottom of the engine from the oil pan to allow the oil to drain out from the engine and changing out the oil filter. However, not all oil will drain from the engine. Typically, a half quart of oil remains trapped in the engine in various spaces, corners and parts inside the engine. Normally, all this dirty oil remains in the engine after performing an oil change. By using a device in a method to remove the dirty, used oil, the inside of the engine stays cleaner, the new oil stays cleaner longer, and the engine lasting longer.

In other applications, it is often necessary to fully empty out fluids from an engine or other equipment, such as fuel or hydraulic fluid.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art a system or device, which can solve the problem of dirty oil left inside an engine after an oil change. A device to more fully clear an engine of used lubricating oil would prolong engine life and minimize friction, promoting engine efficiency. An adaptable system able to be used for other fluids would offer enhanced flexibility and utility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, an oil clearing device for trapped oil remaining during an oil change of an engine, comprises an air compressor with a coupled first air hose terminating in a coupling. A second air hose has a first end coupled to the coupling and a second end coupled to an airflow interface, and wherein the airflow interface mates to an oil fill hole of an engine providing for airflow to enter the engine and blow trapped engine oil out through an oil drainage opening.

In an embodiment, the oil clearing device uses a coupling comprising at least one of—a) a blow gun and b) a valve.

In an embodiment, air compressor produces an air pressure of about 100 psi.

In an embodiment, the oil drainage hole drains from the bottom of the engine.

In an embodiment, swivel couplers connect the first air hose to at least one of the air compressor and the airflow interface.

In an embodiment, swivel couplers connect the second air hose to at least one of the coupling and the airflow interface.

In an embodiment, a dryer is interposed between the air compressor and the first air hose.

In an embodiment, a dryer is interposed between the air compressor and the airflow interface.

In an embodiment, the airflow interface further comprises a rubber cap or a metal fitting mating to the oil fill hole.

In an embodiment, a method for clearing fluid out of an engine, comprises providing an air compressor connected to an air dryer coupled to a first air hose on one end terminating in a second end, and coupling a second air hose to the second end of the first air hose, with an airflow interface connected to the second air hose. Mating the airflow interface to a fluid fill hole of an engine to provide an airflow entering the engine, and operating the air compressor to blow out trapped engine fluid out through a fluid drainage opening.

In an embodiment, the airflow interface comprises a multi-tiered rubber cap.

In an embodiment, there is provided a mechanical fluid clearing device for clearing a mechanical device of remaining trapped fluids using an air compressor with a coupled first air hose terminating in a coupling, and a second air hose with a first end coupled to the coupling and a second end coupled to an airflow interface. Wherein, the airflow interface mates to a fluid fill hole of a mechanical device providing for airflow to enter the device and blow trapped fluid out through an opening, and the airflow interface includes a multi-tiered mating for attaching to multiple types of fluid fill holes.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a view of the air compressor and attached dryer, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the air hose coupled to the compressor and an airflow interface for mating to an oil fill hole, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the airflow interface for mating to an oil fill hole, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the airflow interface for mating to an oil fill hole, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the airflow interface for mating to an oil fill hole, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a splash guard for attaching to the oil pan, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a top view of a splash guard for attaching to the oil pan, according to an embodiment of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-7, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

A depicted in FIG. 1, a configured air compressor 200 suitable for use in the claimed invention is shown. Air compressor 200 can include a compressed air storage tank 105, controls 110, as well as pressure gauges 115. A coupling 121 can connect a compressed air outlet of compressor 100 to dryer 120. Dryer 120 can filter out water, dirt, oil and other debris for clean air output into air hose 125. Coupling 122 can connect dryer 120 to air hose 125. A brass fitting 123 typically can allow for axial rotation, or swiveling, of air hose 125 relative to coupling 122. Typically, air hose 125 can comprise a five foot flexible, heavy air hose 125 terminating in an attached blow gun. Air hose 125 can also include female coupler connection on each end.

Further details of the air hose 125 in FIG. 1 are depicted in FIG. 2, further air hose 225 (125 in FIG. 1) can connect to blow gun 205, which can include trigger 210 operating an air valve to turn on or cutoff air flow through air hose 225 from compressor 100. Blow gun 205 can include at the end a male coupler 215 to connect a female coupler 220 of air hose 230. The end of air hose 230 can comprise a female coupler 235. A round rubber cap 245 can be connected to a male coupler 240 designed to mate with female coupler 235. Couplers 215, 220, 235, and 240 can allow for a swiveling connection between the components to ease maneuvering of the air hoses 225 and 230. Rubber cap 245 can be inserted into the engine oil fill hole of any vehicle to provide an interface for airflow into the engine.

In an operating embodiment, after an oil change is performed, both the oil drain plug to an oil drainage opening and oil filter are left out to allow used oil to exit the vehicle. Air compressor 100 pressure can be set by controls 110 to produce approximately 100 psi air pressure. Rubber cap 245 provides an airflow interface allowing for airflow into the engine through the oil fill hole. Alternatively, instead of rubber cap 245, the airflow interface can comprise a metal fitting designed to fit onto the oil fill hole. An operator can squeeze blow gun trigger 210 to allow compressed air to exit from cap 245 into the engine oil fill hole and into the engine. Alternatively, blow gun 215 can be replaced by an air valve that a user can open or close. The 100 psi airflow blows out remaining dirty oil in the engine. A half a quart or more of dirty oil can then exit and be blown out through the oil drain hole and the oil filter housing. Normally, this dirty oil would remain trapped in the engine after performing an oil change. By using this method, you can force out the dirty oil remaining in the engine.

Turning now to FIG. 3, as depicted, shows more details of an aiflow interface assembly 300 including rubber cap 245 in FIG. 2 of an exemplary embodiment. Airflow interface assembly 300 can include rubber cap 345, which can include a tiered construction configuration to fit into multiple-sized oil fill holes on a variety of vehicle makes and types. This may include vehicles such as cars, trucks, aircraft, trains, or other various types of oil-lubricated engines such as on compressors or generators. The rubber cap 345 can fit onto male coupler 340 and can mate with female coupler 339. Coupler 337 can provide a semi-flexible swivel connection 338 to coupler 336 of rubber hose 330.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of rubber cap 400 of the airflow interface assembly 300. Rubber cap 400 can include rubber cap 445 (corresponding to rubber cap 245 and 345) attached to a metal male coupler 440 (i.e., 240 and 340). The metal male coupler 445 can mate with a female metal coupler (239 and 339) providing for airflow to an engine.

FIG. 5 depicts a top perspective view of rubber cap 500 of the airflow interface assembly 300 in an embodiment. Rubber cap 545 can consist of a multi-tiered mating 548 to fit into a variety of oil or other fluid fill holes. The multi-tiered design of mating 548 also allows for adaption of the disclosed system to be used to clear an engine of other fluids, such as fuel or hydraulic fluid. Male coupler 540 can provide a connection with the other components of the airflow interface assembly 300.

FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of a splash guard 600 for attaching to the oil pan in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Splash guard 600 can help direct oil flow during blowing out operation. The splash guard 600 can consist of a semi-cylindrical body 605 with a closed end 610. Splash guard 600 can form an open trough (not shown) with splash guard wings 606 extending off from each side of the open trough (see FIG. 7). Each wing 606 can also include magnets 607 to secure to splash guard 600 in place over the oil drain of the oil pan.

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of a splash guard 600 of FIG. 6 for attaching to the oil pan under an embodiment of the present invention. Splash guard 700 can include an open top semi-cylinder body 705 forming a trough 715. One end of trough 715 can be closed forming closed end 710 and the other end of trough 715 can be open forming open end 711. The open trough 715 can include wings 706 extending from each side. Using magnets 607 splash guard 600/700 can be attached over the oil pan to help deflect and direct blown used oil into a container.

Although the invention has been primarily described in relation to clearing an engine of used motor oil, clearly the invention is not limited to oil. The multi-tiered mating 548 allows for adaption of the system for many other uses, such as blowing out and flushing other fluids from mechanical systems, such as fuel, coolant, brake, and hydraulic fluids.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. An oil clearing device for trapped oil remaining during an oil change of an engine, comprising: an air compressor with a coupled first air hose terminating in a coupling; a second air hose, with a first end coupled to the coupling and a second end coupled to an airflow interface; and wherein the airflow interface mates to an oil fill hole of an engine providing for airflow to enter the engine and blow trapped engine oil out through an oil drainage opening.
 2. The oil clearing device of claim 1, wherein the coupling comprises at least one of a) a blow gun; and b) a valve.
 3. The oil clearing device of claim 1, wherein the air compressor produces an air pressure of about 100 psi.
 4. The oil clearing device of claim 1, wherein the oil drainage hole drains from the bottom of the engine.
 5. The oil cleating device of claim 1, further comprising swivel couplers connecting the first air hose to at least one of the air compressor and the airflow interface.
 6. The oil clearing device of claim 1, further comprising swivel couplers connecting the second air hose to at least one of the coupling and the airflow interface.
 7. The oil clearing device of claim 1, further comprising a dryer interposed between the air compressor and the first air hose.
 8. The oil clearing device of claim 1, further comprising a dryer interposed between the air compressor and the airflow interface.
 9. The oil clearing device of claim 1, wherein the airflow interface further comprises a rubber cap or a metal fitting mating to the oil fill hole.
 10. A method for clearing fluid out of an engine, comprising: providing air compressor connected to an air dryer coupled to a first air hose on one end terminating in a second end; coupling a second air hose to the second end of the first air hose, with an airflow interface connected to the second air hose; and mating the airflow interface to a fluid fill hole of an engine to provide an airflow entering the engine; and operating the air compressor to blow out trapped engine fluid out through a fluid drainage opening.
 11. The method for clearing oil of claim 10, wherein the airflow interface comprises a multi-tiered rubber cap.
 12. A mechanical fluid clearing device for clearing a mechanical device of remaining trapped fluids, comprising: an air compressor with a coupled first air hose terminating in a coupling; a second air hose, with a first end coupled to the coupling and a second end coupled to an airflow interface; wherein the airflow interface mates to a fluid fill hole of a mechanical device providing for airflow to enter the device and blow trapped fluid out through an opening; and the airflow interface includes a multi-tiered mating for attaching to multiple types of fluid fill holes. 